Capturing the Spirit of Skateboarding in 2D Animation

We created this frame by frame computer animation for Skateboard Inc at our Animation Studio in New York, showcasing one of the most iconic action sports: skateboarding! Born in the 1950s in California, skateboarding has evolved into a dynamic and influential subculture, bringing with it a spirit of creativity, freedom, and self-expression. Our team of animators captured this culture with a mix of 2d animation techniques and modern tools like TV Paint, Adobe Animate and Toon Boom Harmony.

Concept Development and Graphic Style

As with any successful animation process, the first step was concept development. We proposed various graphic styles and color palettes for the project. Once the visual style was locked in, our team launched into the creation of powerful cel animation using a detailed storyboard. This helped us break down each scene, analyze the transitions, and capture the fluid movements of the illustrated characters, a crucial step in two-dimensional animation.

Animatics: The Key to Perfect Timing

To fully capture the excitement of skateboarding, our team developed an animatic, which is a simplified version of the final animated film. The animatic helped us fine-tune the timing and movements of each scene before diving into the detailed process of rough animation. This step was essential in achieving the dynamic tricks performed by skaters, ensuring smooth transitions and a consistent flow throughout the 2D animation.

Traditional Frame-by-Frame Techniques with a Digital Twist

Our 2D animators used traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, similar to the early Walt Disney cartoons, but with a modern twist. Instead of using paper, we worked digitally on large-format graphic tablets, which allowed us to speed up the process while maintaining the attention to detail that is critical in frame by frame animation. By leveraging advanced animation software, we brought each scene to life with precision, illustrating the excitement and energy of skateboarding.

Skateboarding’s Influence on Urban Culture

With the rise of extreme sports and events like the X Games, skateboarding has grown into a central element of urban culture, influencing fashion, contemporary art, music, video games, and even TV series. This project reflects that influence, capturing skateboarding’s vibrant role in today’s world. As a sport now featured in the Olympics, skateboarding is more popular than ever, and we were excited to incorporate this dynamic energy into our motion graphics and 2D animation, bringing the culture to life in a visually captivating way.

A Soundtrack That Complements the Animation

For the soundtrack, we collaborated with Ugly Mac Beer, a well-known figure in the turntablism/scratch scene. He crafted a custom-made score that perfectly complements the animation. Ugly Mac Beer, known for his work in the hip-hop scene and his own label Beatsqueeze Records, worked closely with us to ensure the music captured the spirit of both skateboarding and the 2D animation process itself. The result is a harmonious blend of sight and sound, bringing the world of skateboarding to life through animated films.